Define Retrovirus

There are many different kinds of viruses. Most viruses are classified by their manner of replication, which can either be by DNA or RNA. Retroviruses are viruses that use RNA to replicate, inject themselves into the host cell by using enzymes, and pass on this newly altered genetic information when the infected host cell divides.

• A woman wearing a flu mask.

Definition

• A retrovirus is a virus that uses RNA to replicate, rather than DNA. Retroviruses are able to infect animals as well as humans.

Initial Infection

• Retroviruses attach themselves to the surface of a host's cell before injecting their genetic data into the host. Using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, they are able to replicate themselves within the host cell by producing DNA from their RNA genome.

Classifications

• Retroviruses are members of the virion family retroviridae. They are classified as Group VI, or ssRNA-RT, viruses.

Examples

• One of the most prevalent and well-known retroviruses is HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus. Other examples of retroviruses are the bovine immunodeficiency virus and the feline immunodeficiency virus.

Proviruses

• Once a host cell that has been infected by a retrovirus has replicated and produced infected cells, the cells that contain this retrovirus are then referred to as proviruses.